Which Bible verse says God will complete the work He started in you?

The Bible verse that explicitly speaks about God completing the work He has started in us is found in Philippians 1:6, which states, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (NKJV). This verse is a profound promise that resonates deeply with many believers, offering assurance and hope in the journey of faith.

In the context of Christian living, this verse underscores an essential truth about God's faithfulness and His commitment to our spiritual growth and transformation. The Apostle Paul, who wrote the letter to the Philippians, was conveying his deep confidence in God's ongoing work in the lives of the believers in Philippi. This assurance is not just for the Philippians but extends to all Christians, affirming that God's work in us is both purposeful and continual.

To comprehend the depth of this promise, it is crucial to understand the nature of the "good work" that God has begun in us. This work encompasses our salvation, sanctification, and ultimate glorification. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are justified by faith, which marks the beginning of this good work. Justification is a legal term that means we are declared righteous before God because of what Jesus did on the cross. This is the foundational step in our Christian journey.

However, the work does not stop at justification. God continues to work in us through the process of sanctification, which is the ongoing transformation of our character to become more like Christ. Sanctification involves the Holy Spirit working within us to produce the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This process is often gradual and can involve trials and tribulations, but it is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to our spiritual maturity.

The completion of this good work will ultimately be realized in our glorification, which will occur when Jesus Christ returns. At that time, we will be fully transformed and conformed to His image, free from sin and its consequences. This future hope is a source of great encouragement for believers, as it assures us that our struggles and efforts in this life are not in vain.

The promise in Philippians 1:6 also highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to bring His plans to fruition. It reminds us that our spiritual growth is not solely dependent on our efforts but is primarily the work of God. This does not negate our responsibility to pursue holiness and obedience, but it reassures us that God is the one who empowers and enables us to grow. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (NKJV). This verse complements Philippians 1:6 by emphasizing that God is actively involved in shaping our desires and actions according to His purpose.

Furthermore, the confidence that Paul expresses in Philippians 1:6 is rooted in his understanding of God's character. Throughout Scripture, we see numerous examples of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His promises. In the Old Testament, God repeatedly demonstrated His faithfulness to the nation of Israel, despite their frequent disobedience. For instance, in Deuteronomy 7:9, Moses declares, "Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (NKJV). This steadfastness is also evident in the New Testament, where Jesus assures His disciples of His continual presence and support, saying, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20, NKJV).

In addition to the biblical narrative, Christian literature and theology have also explored the theme of God's faithfulness in completing His work in us. For instance, in his classic work "The Pursuit of God," A.W. Tozer writes about the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God and trusting in His ongoing work in our lives. Tozer emphasizes that our spiritual journey is a response to God's initiative and that our growth is ultimately sustained by His grace.

Similarly, in "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis discusses the transformative power of God's work in our lives. He uses the analogy of a house being renovated to illustrate how God not only repairs the broken parts of our lives but also expands and improves us in ways we might not have imagined. Lewis writes, "Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."

This vivid imagery captures the essence of Philippians 1:6, illustrating that God's work in us is far more comprehensive and transformative than we might initially perceive. It also highlights the sometimes painful but ultimately purposeful nature of this divine renovation.

As we reflect on Philippians 1:6 and its implications for our lives, it is essential to cultivate a posture of trust and surrender to God's work. This involves acknowledging our limitations and relying on His strength and wisdom. It also means being patient with ourselves and others, recognizing that spiritual growth is a lifelong process. The Apostle Paul himself acknowledged this ongoing journey in his own life, writing in Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (NKJV).

In conclusion, Philippians 1:6 offers a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to our spiritual growth and transformation. It assures us that the good work He has begun in us will be brought to completion, not by our efforts alone, but by His grace and faithfulness. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we can find comfort and confidence in this promise, knowing that God is actively at work in us, shaping us into the image of His Son and preparing us for the day of Jesus Christ.